Allianz Milano Dominates Lindemans Aalst in Challenge Cup First Leg

Aalst, Belgium – Allianz Milano took a commanding lead in the 2025/26 CEV Challenge Cup final, overpowering Lindemans Aalst 3-0 (18-25, 19-25, 22-25) in the first leg played Wednesday evening at the Sportcentrum Schotte in Aalst. The Italian side demonstrated a consistent and efficient performance, leaving the Belgian champions with a significant uphill battle for the return leg.

The match, witnessed by over 2,000 enthusiastic home fans, saw Allianz Milano establish control from the outset. Despite the fervent support from the Aalst crowd, the visitors quickly dictated the pace, showcasing strong attacking play and consistent serving. The result places Milano in a favorable position as they return to Italy for the second leg, while Aalst faces a daunting task to overturn the deficit.

Reggers Leads Milano to Victory

Leading the charge for Milano was opposite hitter Ferre Reggers, who delivered an impressive performance, earning MVP honors. Reggers recorded 23 points, achieving 69% efficiency in attack (18/26), along with 2 aces and 3 blocks. Tatsunori Otsuka added 14 points to Milano’s total, contributing to a well-rounded offensive effort. The Italian team’s ability to consistently find scoring opportunities proved too much for Aalst to handle.

Aalst, however, struggled to find a rhythm throughout the match. While Henry Rempel led the home side with 17 points, his efforts weren’t enough to counter Milano’s cohesive play. The Belgian team found themselves consistently on the back foot, unable to match the Italian side’s consistency in attack and defense.

Set-by-Set Breakdown

Milano quickly asserted their dominance in the first set, closing it out 25-18. They continued their momentum into the second set, winning 25-19, and completed the sweep with a 25-22 victory in the third. Throughout the match, Milano’s setter, Fernando Gil Kreling, effectively distributed the ball, keeping the Aalst defense guessing and maximizing the impact of his hitters.

The opening set saw Reggers quickly find his form, despite a shaky start with a missed serve and a hit outside the court. He quickly recovered, showcasing his attacking prowess with several successful spikes and blocks. Aalst’s Beau Wortelboer managed to briefly tie the score at 11-11, but Milano responded with a decisive run, fueled by two aces from middle blocker Edoardo Caneschi, extending their lead to 11-15. Despite the support of the home crowd, Aalst couldn’t contain Milano’s attack, ultimately falling short in the first set.

In the second set, Aalst coach Frank Depestele called a timeout at 4-8, attempting to disrupt Milano’s rhythm. However, the Italian side continued to demonstrate their superiority in all facets of the game, extending their lead to 13-19 and ultimately securing the set.

Aalst Faces Uphill Battle

Despite the defeat, Aalst players and fans remained optimistic, acknowledging the strength of their opponents. The team is determined to fight for every point in the second leg, hoping to pull off an upset on Italian soil. However, the 3-0 scoreline presents a significant challenge, requiring a near-perfect performance in the return match.

The atmosphere at the Sportcentrum Schotte was electric, with over 2,000 fans creating a vibrant and supportive environment for the home team. Speaker Samuel helped to energize the crowd, building anticipation for the match. Many fans were eager to witness the performance of Ferre Reggers, who has been excelling in the Italian league.

What’s Next?

The second leg of the CEV Challenge Cup final will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the Allianz Cloud in Milano. The match is scheduled to begin at 20:30 local time (UTC+2). Aalst will need a remarkable performance to overcome the 3-0 deficit and keep their hopes of winning the title alive. Milano, will be looking to capitalize on their first-leg advantage and secure the championship on home court.

Fans can follow the match and receive updates through the CEV’s official website and social media channels. The outcome of the second leg will determine the winner of the 2025/26 CEV Challenge Cup, marking a significant achievement for either Allianz Milano or Lindemans Aalst.